Copyright, Fair Use, and the Challenge for Universities

The lawsuit against "Kinko's Copies" for copyright infringement has exposed the confusion and heightened the fear of liability surrounding copyright issues in colleges and universities. This volume offers an explanation of copyright and the ambiguous concept of "fair use" as they affect and are affected by higher education. Kenneth D. Crews surveys the copyright policies of 98 American research universities. His analysis reveals a variety of ways in which universities have responded to and how they could better manage-the conflicting goals of copyright policies: avoiding infringements while promoting lawful uses that serve teaching and research. He explains in detail the background of copyright law and congressional guidelines affecting familiar uses of photocopies, videotapes, software, and reserve rooms. Crews concludes that most universities are overly conservative in their interpretation of copyright and law often neglect their own interests, adding unnecessary costs and obstacles, to the lawful dissemination of information. He provides an explanation of copyright law and policy and how it can better serve higher education.